I’ve attended Munich’s Oktoberfest three times. Before attending the world’s largest beer festival, know these 10 facts

As a former Munich resident and longstanding admirer of Oktoberfest, I am familiar with the world’s largest and most renowned beer festival.

In the tents, the Bavarian roots of the festival were prominently displayed.
Rachael Davies

In 1810, the festival was created to honor the marriage of Louis I, the crown prince of Bavaria, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It has since expanded into a massive celebration of Bavarian culture and German beer.

Every September and October for 16 to 18 days, Oktoberfest is hosted in the Theresienwiese festival grounds, named for the princess who got wedded there over 200 years ago.

All six of Munich’s main brewers sell their newest innovations, which attracts the majority of visitors. However, they remain because of the ambiance. After seeing the stirring songs, table-top dances, and traditional German cuisine at Oktoberfest, I have yet to find a comparable sense of camaraderie elsewhere.

Here are eleven advice and tricks I wish I had known before attending my first Oktoberfest, or Wiesn, as the Germans name it.

Not paying for admission or table reservations.

Never pay for an Oktoberfest reservation.

Rachael Davies

Anyone who attempts to charge you for beer tent bookings is attempting to defraud you. Fortunately, on my first Oktoberfest, a German acquaintance warned me about these cons.

If I had paid the $50 that the fraudulent firm demanded for the so-called reservation, nothing would have happened.

Table reservations must be made directly with each tent and are free of charge. No other provider is able to accept reservations. Typically, individuals do not require them because there are plenty of locations to visit on the same day.

Admission to Oktoberfest and its numerous tents is also free, so avoid being duped into paying an entry charge. Save your cash for beer, as a stein, or two liters, costs approximately $13.

Withdraw cash before to entering Theresienwiese to avoid long lineups at the ATM.

Cash is the preferred method of payment at Oktoberfest, so be sure to bring some with you.

Rachael Davies

Before entering Theresienwiese, which is a 10-minute rail journey from Munich, withdraw the amount of cash you intend to spend at Oktoberfest.

Some tents accept credit cards, which is uncommon in Germany, but your order will be processed much more quickly if you don’t have to wait for a card machine. Paying with cash makes your server happy and perhaps expedites your drinks.

There are ATMs on the event grounds, but a large number of attendees are also eager to withdraw cash. Do not lose valuable party time waiting in line. Come with lots of cash in hand.

Arrive early to avoid the throng and obtain the best seats.

As soon as I arrived to Oktoberfest, I was required to wait in a lengthy line.

Rachael Davies

Since Oktoberfest is primarily a beer celebration, many tourists arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, when they believe it is OK to begin consuming alcohol.

In Bavaria, beer is regarded both a beverage and a food (often known as “liquid bread”), therefore you can begin drinking it whenever you choose.

In reality, arriving early prevents you from becoming stranded in lines outside the subway station. The Oktoberfest begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 p.m., so arrive before noon to secure the finest seats.

Participate in the singing and dancing; it will assist you make acquaintances with the surrounding individuals.

The tents are typically so crowded that you get to know the people surrounding you.

Rachael Davies

If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you shouldn’t be concerned about being lost or overwhelmed by the crowd. Oktoberfest is best experienced while singing, dancing, and drinking with strangers you will likely never see again.

I was hesitant to participate in the boisterous singing and dancing at my first Oktoberfest, but these activities are what make the event what it is.

It will be difficult to get through the festival without making brief acquaintances with the individuals around you.

Explore all the tents rather than remaining in one.

Inside the beer tents were intricate features and artwork.

Rachael Davies

Once you have secured a seat, you may feel tempted to remain stationary and guard it. However, I would suggest that you investigate as much as possible.

Each of the six large tents offers a unique beer or dish to sample, in addition to the hundreds of smaller tents and stands located around the festival grounds. When I attended this year, the Hacker-Pschorr tent, depicted above, featured a roof with exquisite detailing.

Even if you’re having a good time where you are, you should move about and check out all the event has to offer. You can always return.

Taking a break to participate in an activity, such as shooting a German rifle or roasting almonds, is a terrific way to cool off and gain a comprehensive understanding of the event.

The majority of rides and attractions range from child-friendly carnival games to huge roller coasters and cost between $2 and $5.

Consider your attire carefully.

On the event grounds, there are shops selling hats and other accoutrements.

Rachael Davies

The traditional German attire of dirndls and lederhosen, known as tracht, are not merely costumes during Oktoberfest. Clothing is a fundamental aspect of Bavarian culture, and many rural villages wear these outfits to church and other annual celebrations.

Dirndls and lederhosen of superior quality may be pricey (a dirndl can cost anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars, and lederhosen range from $75 to $500), but it is important not to scrimp.

Not only is wearing a tourist T-shirt or dirndl onesie inappropriate, but it will also make you stick out as someone who doesn’t belong.

If you do not wish to invest in original tracht, you can purchase a feathered cap or another authentic accessory on the festival grounds.

In addition, the main core of Munich is filled with shops where you can find the perfect attire. Just look in the window for the word “trachten.”

Since large luggage are not permitted inside the festival grounds, it is better to travel to the festival from your hotel wearing the clothes you intend to wear.

Don’t worry about looking ridiculous outside of the festival in your tracht. Even if they are not attending Oktoberfest that day, many Germans will wear their traditional attire throughout the city.

Travel in small groups as opposed to large groups.

People stand on the benches within the beer tents.

Rachael Davies

The larger tents are crowded. If you attempt to arrange logistics for a group of more than four individuals, you will inevitably lose someone in the chaos, and you will likely never locate enough seats for everyone.

The greatest way to experience Oktoberfest is in small groups of two, three, or four, so you can navigate the mob without wondering if the person behind you is still there.

It is never a good idea to ride the roller coaster after consuming several steins.

If you choose to ride roller coasters, you should do it before to consuming your beer and pretzels.

Rachael Davies

I wish I could say that my recommendation is not based on personal experience, but it is.

I previously believed that the ride by the Paulaner tent exit was the coolest idea in the world. After completing the ride, my stomach had different plans.

There are numerous enjoyable carnival games, rides, and roller coasters to try out. Just be sure to try them out before you gorge yourself on beer and pretzels.

Don’t ignore the beer gardens located outside the tents.

Beer and snacks are still available for purchase at the beer gardens.

Rachael Davies

The beer tents may be the most popular areas, but the beer gardens should not be overlooked.

Outside of the main tents, the gardens also feature singing and provide fresh air. Typically, calmer customers seek a more relaxed atmosphere there.

The same long tables and seats as inside are set up in the grounds, and the same food and beverages are available. The gardens are an exceptionally wonderful place to cool off during heated weather.

There is no obligation to learn German music.

I have attended Oktoberfest three times in Munich, Germany.

Rachael Davies

Even though I know German, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to sing along with the popular schlager or tunes at my first Oktoberfest. The name “schlager” derives from the German verb “schlagen,” which means that schlagers literally mean “the hits.”

Germans sing the repetitious lyrics at festivals, parties, sporting events, and pretty much any time they’ve had a few drinks.

It is enjoyable to know the lyrics to a few of these songs, but it is not required. The musicians at Oktoberfest perform popular tunes from around the world.

This year, the entire tent sung along to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus, and “Angels” by Robbie Williams. You can rest guaranteed that you will be able to sing along with at least one song.